Barnardo’s backs young Rovers ticket scheme
A scheme that provides free match tickets to young people around the Kirkcaldy area has received the backing of Barnardo’s Scotland. The initiative which has been running for three years was set up by Rovers Down South, a group of Rovers exiles based south of the border and has been supported by the Raith Rovers Supporters Trust. It distributes around 40 free tickets each season and many children and young people who have benefited from the scheme are from disadvantaged backgrounds in the local community and may not normally get the chance to support their local team.
The initiative will now be administered by Barnardo’s Child & Family Support Service Fife which is based in Kirkcaldy. Fiona Power, Children’s Rights Co-ordinator at the Child & Family Support Service said: “All children and young people should be able to join in a wide-range of activities including supporting local football teams. This scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for children and young people who might otherwise, for a number of reasons, be unable to attend a Raith game. Many people often recall fond memories of attending their first football match which can lead to a lifetime of support for a local team. Hopefully this experience can continue to be offered to local children and young people.”
The founder of the scheme, Bill Gilby of Rovers Down South, welcomed the backing of Barnardo’s: “We are delighted to have received the backing of Barnardo’s Scotland. Living so far away from Starks Park means that most of our members aren’t able to attend matches as often as we like so it is great to be able to help others support the team, particularly those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to Starks Park.”
Donations can be made to the Sponsored Tickets Fund via the PayPal link below, or at the Raith Supporters Trust information point in the South Stand on match days.
